Southwater Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Southwater during December 2023, 3 crimes were reported—a figure 58.3% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This translates to a daily risk of roughly 1 crime for every 333 residents over the month, highlighting the relatively low likelihood of encountering crime in this built-up area within Horsham. The most common crime types were violence and sexual offences (38.2% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (11.8%) and vehicle crime (8.8%). These patterns align with seasonal factors: the Christmas shopping peak, extended evening darkness, and the presence of empty homes during the holiday period may have contributed to increased vulnerability for certain offences. Violence and sexual offences in Southwater were 54% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour was 57% below, suggesting a community profile with lower rates of disruptive public conduct compared to national trends. The balance between property and violent crime remained roughly equal, with 13 each of property and violent crimes reported. This parity contrasts with some UK areas where property crime dominates, potentially reflecting Southwater’s mix of residential and commercial spaces. The low overall rate, combined with the absence of major spikes in categories like burglary or theft from the person, suggests a stable environment where residents are less likely to encounter crime than the national average, though seasonal fluctuations in specific categories warrant continued attention.

December 2023 saw a 78.6% increase in Southwater’s crime rate compared to the previous month, rising from 1.7 to 3.0 per 1,000 residents. This jump was driven by a 200% rise in burglary cases (1 to 3), alongside 100% increases in both 'other crime' (0 to 2) and drug-related offences (0 to 1). These shifts suggest a possible uptick in opportunistic crimes during the festive season, potentially linked to increased foot traffic around shopping areas or the presence of unoccupied homes. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 20% (5 to 4), indicating a temporary reduction in disruptive conduct that may have been influenced by holiday-related community dynamics. The category of 'other crime'—which includes unclassified or less frequent offences—rose sharply, though its precise nature remains unclear without further breakdown. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences remained significantly below the UK average (54% lower), with 13 incidents reported. This contrast with national trends highlights Southwater’s unique profile, where violent crime is less prevalent than in many other areas. Residents might find the daily crime rate of approximately 1 incident per day (34 crimes over 31 days) a useful benchmark for understanding local risks, particularly when planning evening activities or securing homes during the holiday period.

Southwater’s December 2023 crime rate of 3.0 per 1,000 residents marked a 78.6% increase from the previous month’s rate of 1.7, reflecting a notable upward trend. However, this remains substantially lower than the UK average, with the area’s overall crime rate 58.3% below the national figure. On a daily basis, Southwater experienced roughly 1 crime per day during December, a statistic that contextualises the low probability of encountering crime in a typical day. Over the course of the month, this translated to one reported crime for every 333 residents, a figure that underscores the relatively safe environment for local households. When compared to the previous month, the 1.7 per 1,000 rate in November 2023 suggests a seasonal fluctuation, possibly tied to the post-Christmas period or changes in community activity. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, despite the month-on-month rise, Southwater’s residents still face a significantly lower risk of crime than the UK average. For instance, the UK’s average of 7.2 per 1,000 means one in every 139 residents encounters crime annually, whereas in Southwater, the equivalent figure is one in every 333 residents for a single month. This disparity highlights the area’s effectiveness in maintaining low crime levels, even as it navigates the challenges of seasonal variability.